By: Gwen Hitt

 

A Brand Spankin' New Thing

 

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart,

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

  

When I began writing daily text messages eleven months ago to encourage my friend, I had no idea that it would  lead to the development of the Constant Friend Daily Devotions.  What started off as a means to provide comfort to one person ended up as an awesome opportunity from God to touch the lives of many more.

 

Today's verse reminds us that God's plans for our lives will prevail even though WE may have other plans in our hearts.  Although writing daily devotions is not something I had planned or even considered for my life, God thought otherwise!  Through our obedience, God is able to bring a new thing in our lives in order to bless us and draw us closer to Him.

 

In Isaiah 43:19, God lets us know that these surprises are actually designed to improve our lives: "See, I am doing a NEW thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." So many times we look at our situations with OUR perspective rather than through God's eyes. We have to always hold on to the important truth that God truly cares about us and can make a way where there seems to be none.

 

I am sure you've heard the phrase "Brand Spankin' New."  That phrase came about because doctors would give babies a couple of spankins' to get them breathing after birth.  You may feel like a newborn baby in a world that is totally new to you and that is out of your comfort zone.  JUST BREATHE! 

 

I challenge you today to willingly respond to and carry out God's wonderful plans for your life.  He will be with you along the way.  He promises this in Isaiah 43:1-2  "...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

 

Dear Lord, I know that You have my best interests in mind and that You have great plans for me that are beyond anything I can hope or imagine for my life. Help me to respond to these plans in a way that is pleasing to You.

 

I also thank You, Jesus, for dying for me.  I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.  In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen